Split: Blue Lagoon, Hvar and 5 Islands Small Group Boat Tour

The best part of this 10-hour speedboat trip is how much of the Dalmatian coast you can see in one day. You move from Milna’s quiet harbor to Hvar Town, then on to swimming stops at the Pakleni Islands, Šolta, and Blue Lagoon. It is a fast, sunny sampler of Croatia by sea, not a slow village holiday.

I like the small group of up to 12 people, which keeps the boat more personal and makes boarding and moving between stops easier. I also like the mix of sightseeing and water time: you get historic streets in Hvar, peaceful harbor views in Maslinica, and several chances to snorkel. The tradeoff is a long day on a speedboat, with wind, sun, and a busy schedule that may not suit anyone seeking a quiet cruise.

Key points at a glance

• Fast boat, small group: Travel with no more than 12 passengers, plus the crew.
• Hvar Town gets 90 minutes: Enough time for the Old Town, Fortica Fortress, shops, or a meal.
• Three strong swim stops: The Pakleni Islands, Šolta, and Blue Lagoon all offer time in clear water.
• Maslinica adds a quieter pause: See a traditional harbor and stone houses away from Hvar’s crowds.
• Snorkeling gear is included: Bring your own towel, swimwear, sunscreen, water, and a change of clothes.
• Price and pace favor active sightseers: At $130, the tour offers a lot of coast in one day, but lunch and drinks are extra.

Why this Split boat tour covers so much

This outing is built for people who want a broad taste of the islands rather than one long stay in one place. From the meeting point at Marmontova ul. 5, you walk to the speedboat, settle in, and spend the day moving between ports, coves, and swimming areas.

The boat holds up to 12 passengers. That matters. You are not being moved around in a large ferry group, and the guides can keep the mood relaxed. The crew provides music, safety gear, and snorkeling equipment, while a licensed skipper handles the route.

The speed also changes the experience. Travel between stops takes roughly 15 to 45 minutes, so the boat itself becomes part of the fun. You get sea air, broad views, and the thrill of a quick ride, though the open boat can feel exposed in strong sun or rougher conditions. The tour may change because of sea and weather conditions, so keep some flexibility in your day.

The company has received a 4.9 rating from 57 reviews, with especially strong praise for the friendly guides, careful organization, music, and small-group setup. Guides named David and Maren are singled out in several accounts, and the crew is described as both fun and safety-minded.

Milna on Brač, a gentle first stop

After about 20 minutes on the water, the first stop is Milna on Brač. You get around 45 minutes here for a break, photos, a short walk, and harbor views.

Milna is a good opening stop because it gives you a calm taste of island life before the faster pace of Hvar. Its harbor is lined with fishing boats, old stone buildings, and Mediterranean views. You are not given hours to wander, but 45 minutes is enough to stretch your legs, take photos, and enjoy the village atmosphere.

I would use this stop to get oriented rather than chase a checklist. Look around the harbor, note the stone architecture, and save your energy for Hvar and the swimming stops. If you want a long café break or a detailed visit, the time will feel short.

Hvar Town, history with a 90-minute clock

The ride from Milna to Hvar takes about 30 minutes. Once there, you have 1.5 hours of free time, which is the longest town visit of the day.

Hvar Town gives the trip its strongest dose of history and city life. You can walk through the Old Town, see Venetian palaces, visit the oldest theatre in Europe, or climb toward Fortica Fortress for views over the harbor and nearby islands. The climb is the most worthwhile use of your time if you want a broad view, but it also takes effort on a warm day.

You can also shop for souvenirs, sit by the waterfront, or find food. The tour price does not include lunch, food, or drinks. Some bookings have included pizza lunch as an extra arrangement, but you should not assume lunch is part of the standard package. Bring cash and confirm the current plan before setting out.

The 90-minute limit is useful for planning. You can see a focused part of Hvar, but you cannot cover every lane, museum, viewpoint, and beach. I would choose one priority: the fortress and Old Town, or a relaxed meal and waterfront walk. Trying to do everything will leave you rushing.

Pakleni Islands, the first major swim stop

After Hvar, the boat reaches the Pakleni Islands in about 15 minutes. You get around an hour for photos, walking, swimming, and snorkeling.

This archipelago stretches about 10 kilometers and includes 16 islands. The stop is designed for water time, not a long cultural visit. Use the included snorkeling equipment to look beneath the surface, or simply swim and enjoy the clear water. The famous Carpe Diem area is also part of the setting.

The appeal here is variety. Some people can swim while others walk or take photos, so the group does not need to do exactly the same thing. Still, bring realistic expectations. An hour passes quickly once you have changed, entered the water, and dried off. Wear swimwear under your clothes and keep your towel handy.

If you are sensitive to sun, this is the point where a hat, sunglasses, and strong sunscreen become essential. The boat, the water, and pale stone all reflect plenty of light.

Šolta and Maslinica, two different moods

The next boat ride lasts about 45 minutes before the group reaches Šolta for a swim and snorkeling stop. The scheduled water time is about 45 minutes, followed by a one-hour visit to Maslinica.

The Šolta stop keeps the day focused on the sea. It is another chance to snorkel or swim in clear water before heading ashore. With several water stops, you do not need to force yourself into the water every time. If you are tired, use the time to sit, cool off, and enjoy the view.

Maslinica offers a useful change of pace. This coastal village is known for its peaceful harbor, traditional stone houses, and olive groves. The one-hour pause lets you walk, take photos, and settle into a quieter part of the coast. After Hvar’s busy reputation and the energetic speedboat rides, Maslinica can feel like a welcome reset.

The sequence works well: swim first, then explore on foot. It also means you should carry dry clothes. A change of clothes is specifically recommended, and it will make the final part of the day more comfortable.

Blue Lagoon, the closing swim in bright water

From Maslinica, the boat takes about 30 minutes to reach Blue Lagoon. You have 1.5 hours here, making it the longest water stop of the day.

Blue Lagoon is the grand finale: time for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, photos, and a final look at the coast before returning to Split. The setting is promoted for clear, sparkling water and untouched natural surroundings. Conditions can vary with weather and sea traffic, but the stop gives you plenty of time to enjoy the water instead of making a quick photo stop.

The late timing has both benefits and drawbacks. By this point, you will have seen several towns and spent hours in the sun, so you may be ready for a slow swim. On the other hand, fatigue can catch up with you. Drink water throughout the day rather than waiting until Blue Lagoon.

The return ride takes about 45 minutes, and the tour ends back at Marmontova ul. 5. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so plan your own way to and from the central meeting point.

What the $130 price really buys you

At $130 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the islands. But comparing it with separate ferry tickets, local transport, snorkeling rental, and the time needed to plan each stop makes the cost easier to judge.

Your price covers the speedboat, fuel, licensed skipper, English-speaking staff, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, passenger insurance, taxes, fees, music, a small souvenir, and luggage storage if arranged in advance. You also get one carefully planned day that links several places that would be difficult to combine independently.

The value is strongest if you want range and convenience. You see Milna, Hvar, the Pakleni Islands, Šolta, Maslinica, and Blue Lagoon without handling multiple schedules. The value is weaker if you prefer staying in one village, eating a long lunch, or choosing your own departure times.

Food and drinks are not included. Bring water and some cash, and budget separately for lunch or snacks. One account praises a pizza lunch, but the official inclusions do not list lunch, so confirm before booking rather than counting on it.

Speedboat comfort, safety, and the real pace

A small speedboat is exciting, but it is not the same as a large, smooth ferry. You will feel the motion of the sea, especially on longer crossings. People who enjoy fast rides and open-air views will likely find this a highlight. People with back problems or a strong dislike of boat motion should choose carefully.

The experience is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, people with back problems, or people over 65. Those limits reflect the boat, the speed, the boarding process, and the full-day schedule.

The crew provides life jackets and safety equipment, and the licensed skipper manages the boat. The strongest praise goes to the combination of fun and reassurance: music and quick rides are balanced with clear attention to passenger comfort. Still, sea conditions control the day. A route may be adjusted if conditions make a stop unsafe or impractical.

Wear practical clothing. You need swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, water, beachwear, a camera, and dry clothes. Keep valuables in a small bag that can handle spray, and avoid bringing luggage you do not need. Storage is available, but contact the provider in advance if you need it.

Who will enjoy this full-day island sampler?

I would recommend this trip to an active couple, a group of friends, or a solo visitor who wants to see a lot of Dalmatia quickly. It works especially well for a first visit to Split, when you want Hvar, swimming, small villages, and Blue Lagoon in one packed day.

It also suits people who like a social atmosphere. The 12-person limit creates a more personal setting, and the guides use music and humor to keep the long day lively. The boat does not feel like a private charter, but it is more intimate than a large excursion vessel.

I would not choose it for a relaxed beach day, a serious history tour, or anyone needing flexible accessibility. The stops are generous for a one-day route, but they are still timed. Hvar in particular rewards a clear plan.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available start time when booking, since the exact departure schedule can vary.

Should you book the Split Blue Lagoon and five-island tour?

Book it if your priority is seeing the coast efficiently. You get a fast boat, six distinct parts of the route, several swimming opportunities, a proper visit to Hvar, snorkeling gear, and a small group for $130.

Skip it if you want long, unhurried time in one place or if speedboat travel may aggravate your back. For the right person, this is a lively and well-organized day with strong value. Pack lightly, protect yourself from the sun, bring money for food, and decide in advance whether Hvar’s fortress or its waterfront deserves your limited free time.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts 10 hours. Starting times depend on availability, so check the schedule when booking.

Where does the tour start and finish?

You meet in front of the Smile Travel office at Marmontova ul. 5 in Split. The tour returns to the same meeting point.

Is lunch included?

Lunch, food, and drinks are not included in the stated package. Bring water and cash, and confirm any current lunch arrangement before departure.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and safety gear, including life jackets, are included.

How many people can fit on the boat?

The speedboat has room for up to 12 passengers, creating a small-group setting.

Who should not take this tour?

The activity is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, or people over 65. Sea and weather conditions may also affect the route.